Fascia can be described as a complex, intricate network of connective tissue that encases and intertwines with every element within your body, forming a continuous, seamless web that surrounds and permeates every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle (even individual muscle fibres!). Fascia does more than provide internal structure, it has nerves that make it almost as sensitive as skin, and plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health and function of your body.

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In its natural, healthy state, fascia is smooth, supple, slippery and elastic, stretching as you move, allowing for unrestricted movement and flexibility. However, various factors can disrupt this balance. When stressed, fascia dries and tightens up around muscles, crinkling up (called adhesion) and becoming gummy, limiting mobility and causing painful knots to develop. Factors that cause fascia to thicken and become sticky include physical trauma, such as injuries or surgery, leading to the development of scar tissue within the fascia,  a lifestyle of limited physical activity (too little movement day after day), repetitive movement that overworks one part of the body, chronic inflammation, or even emotional stress.

 

As fascia is continuous in nature – spanning from head to toe without interruption - a problem or restriction in one area of your fascia can create a ripple effect, causing discomfort or dysfunction in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. Like a snagged thread in a finely knitted jumper, a minor issue in one spot that can distort the entire structure. Fascial adhesions tend to feel better with movement and also respond well to heat therapy, which helps bring back the tissue’s elasticity. For some people, adhesions can worsen over time, causing the fascia to compress and contort the muscles it surrounds. This can result in hard, tender knots in the muscles, called trigger points.

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Myofascial Release is a form of therapeutic bodywork aimed at addressing these fascial restrictions. It involves applying gentle pressure and stretching to specific areas to release tension and restore the fascia's suppleness. By doing so, myofascial release supports overall fascial well-being, helping to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical comfort. This technique has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and stress-related tension.

 

Deep Tissue, Myofascial Cupping, & Trigger Point Therapy all focus on targeting the fascial networks within the body, and follow the same underlying principles as Myofascial Release.

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Experience this modality in both our Remedial Massage & Intuitive Healing containers!